The Best Cell Phones Without Internet Access

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An easy-to-follow guide to getting an internet-free mobile phone

Co-authored by Hannah Dillon Reviewed by Luigi Oppido

Last Updated: July 14, 2023 Fact Checked

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Phones Without Internet Access

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Before You Buy an Internet-Free Phone

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Do you need a break from the internet on your phone? If you're tired of smartphones or don't want your child to access the web when they're on the go, you can buy a cell phone that doesn't have internet access. This wikiHow article gives you a list of some modern cell phones that come with internet access, plus some child-focused phones with limited internet access and plenty of parental controls.

Things You Should Know

A few modern cell phones without internet access are available for a variety of age ranges and purposes.
The Gabb phone, an internet-free phone for children and teens, looks like a smartphone.
Make sure the no-internet phone you choose works with your carrier before you purchase it.

Section 1 of 2:

Phones Without Internet Access

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Gabb. This phone is meant for children and teens, so it doesn't have social media access, games, or even internet access. It uses a 4G network, which is pretty reliable. Boasting a high parental rating and a relatively low price range, the Gabb phone is best for parents who don't want their children to use the internet on their cell phones. You can learn more about Gabb phones at https://gabb.com .
- The Gabb Phone handles the most basic tasks, like making and receiving phone calls and exchanging text messages. It also includes a camera that can take photos and record video, has built-in music and radio capabilities, and a note-taking feature. ^{[1]
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2
Pinwheel. Designed for kids, this phone can only use approved apps (not social media sites like Facebook or TikTok), text, make/receive phone calls (with approved contacts only), connect to Bluetooth devices , and a few more features. Visit https://www.pinwheel.com for details.
- You can even use your own carrier with this phone! ^{[2]
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- This phone does have internet access for some of its apps, but you can't use it to browse or search the internet .
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3
Light. This phone is very simple; it only has the ability to make/receive phone calls, send/receive texts via AT&T, and can only use a few apps. The apps you can get include an alarm clock, a calculator, a simple music player, and podcast tools. It will never have internet access, social media, clickbait, or email. Visit https://www.thelightphone.com to learn where to buy a Light phone.
- The Light has a headphone jack, Bluetooth, and can be used as a personal hotspot with AT&T's cellular data. ^{[3]
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4
Troomi. This is another phone for parents and children that promises that this phone has everything a kid needs, excluding the stuff they don't. Many of these are Samsung phones running a KidSmartOS, so you can trust the manufacturing of this phone.
- The phone runs on a 4G/5G network that you may or may not have near you. Go to https://troomi.com to see if their cell phones are available in your area. ^{[4]
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- This phone allows you to decide if you want an internet browser or not. Many apps need Wi-Fi to update, but it's up to the parent to install the KidSmart Safe Browser.
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5
Basic phones. While most phones today are smartphones, you can still find basic voice and text only phones at most major cell phone retailers. Some options include the TCL FLIP Pro, Orbic Journey L, Sonim XP3plus, or the Consumer Cellular Verve Snap.
- Your current mobile phone carrier likely offers a wide selection of standard feature phones, but you can also stop in an major electronics retailer (or even stores like Walmart and Target) to ask about their selection of phones without internet access.
- Some phones come with a basic version that have only voice and text options and a version that has internet and Wi-Fi capabilities. You may have to ask for help from your mobile carrier to find the version with no internet.

Section 2 of 2:

Before You Buy an Internet-Free Phone

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Check with your mobile phone provider (like AT&T, T Mobile, or Verizon) to make sure the cell phone you choose is supported by their network. For example, the Gabb phone works on its own network that uses Verizon's towers, so you are limited to the areas that Verizon covers. You can often find this information on the manufacturer's website or by asking your carrier.

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